Harvard Health Publishing Has Answers To Common Questions About Fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia image
What organs are affected by fibromyalgia?
Answered by Dr. Robert H. Shmerling
M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA
People with fibromyalgia chronic, widespread pain. Other symptoms include poor sleep, fatigue and “brain fog.” The cause is unknown but a leading theory is that the brain becomes overly sensitive to sensory signals from the body’s nerves and misinterprets them as painful. While the brain and other parts of the nervous system likely play an important role in disease development, there is no convincing evidence that fibromyalgia itself damages or otherwise affects the body’s organs.
Can children be diagnosed with fibromyalgia?
Answered by Dr. Robert H. Shmerling
M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA
Fibromyalgia is a condition of unknown cause marked by widespread pain, fatigue and cognitive problems. While it is considered a disease that primarily affects adults, it can be diagnosed in children. Some estimates suggest it affects up to 6% of persons under age 18; in this age group, the average age at diagnosis is around 15 years old. As with adults, fibromyalgia appears to be more common among females than males in younger populations.
→ Learn more about fibromyalgia: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.
→ See more questions and expert answers related to fibromyalgia.
Does Fibromyalgia affect your esophagus?
Answered by Dr. Robert H. Shmerling
M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA
Fibromyalgia is a condition of unknown cause marked by widespread pain, fatigue and cognitive problems. While it is not known to directly affect the esophagus, studies have shown that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is more common among people with fibromyalgia than the general population. GERD is a condition in which stomach contents irritate the lower part of the esophagus causing heartburn and other problems.
Does acupuncture help relieve pain from fibromyalgia?
Answered by Dr. Robert H. Shmerling
M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA
Limited studies suggest that acupuncture can be helpful for the pain of fibromyalgia, though it isn’t effective for all people with this condition. A review of prior studies published in 2021 found that acupuncture can help reduce pain, improve sleep, and overall quality of life. However, much of the research on acupuncture for fibromyalgia is of low or moderate quality; better studies are needed.
→ Learn more about fibromyalgia: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.
→ See more questions and expert answers related to fibromyalgia.
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